Job market for new grads in Oregon

[lisamichelle13]

I'm an Oregonian born and raised (Corvallis area), but I'm in Omaha, NE for a year in nursing school. When I graduate with a BSN this August, I really want to come home and be closer to family and my boyfriend but the job market makes me nervous and I was hoping someone could give me advice.

Should I go back to Oregon and just hold out until I find a job even though I have massive student debt that I would like to start paying off? Or would it be smarter to stay in Nebraska for another year to get experience where there are lots of jobs, but where I don't really have any support system or other reason to stay?

If it makes a difference, I'm pretty open to any nursing job, including LTC if it means being in Oregon.

Thank you for any input you have

[bebbercorn]

Maybe apply both places, see who bites? If you land something in Omaha, you get your year and then move, and if you get a bite in Portland, you move right away!

[07courtney1993]

I'm in the same boat as you. Born and raised in Portland but had to move to Las Vegas to get into a program. I'm graduating in March and will be moving home the next day because I couldn't stand the thought of being away from my boyfriend and family any longer. If it takes me 6 months to find a job, I'm okay with that because that's what the 6-month grace period on loans is for.

Also, I looked into new grad jobs in Las Vegas because they are easier to land, but most places want their new grads to sign a 2-year contract. Two years is way too long for me. Just trust your instincts. No one knows you better than yourself and if you think you can handle being away for another 1-2 years then do it.